ISTANBUL 

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te Friday visited an army garrison to meet engineers and anti-submarine helicopter crew in southern Kaohsiung city.

Lai called the engineers and the navy anti-submarine command as the “cornerstones of the nation’s armed forces’ military strength, and also indispensable to the overall national defense strategy,” according to a statement on his Facebook account.

He emphasized that the army engineers’ role was to "enhance the mobility of the troops" while the anti-submarine forces are responsible for "reconnaissance and patrolling."

The visit comes ahead of possible Chinese military drills around the island during Lai’s first anniversary in the office on Tuesday, according to the Taiwanese official Liang Wenjie.

China considers Taiwan its breakaway province, but Taipei insists on its independence.

Lai was inaugurated into office last year on May 20.